LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 24, 2006 -- In response to recent headlines involving senior drivers, the Automobile Club of Southern California is offering seniors several tools for assessing driving skills to help them stay safely on the road.
"Roadwise Review" is a CD-ROM program that helps seniors to evaluate their driving skills. "Senior Safe Mobility" is a new brochure that offers advice to seniors and their families on how to discuss driving safety. The Mature Driver Program helps seniors refresh their driving knowledge in a classroom setting.
"This week is Senior Safe Mobility Week," said Patrice Frazier, the Auto Club's managing director for community programs. "As a group seniors are among the safest drivers on the road, but as we get older, we all start to experience physical changes that can impact driving abilities. These changes often happen so gradually, we may not be aware of them. Our 'Roadwise Review' CD-ROM program gives seniors objective feedback on their driving-related physical and mental skills and offers specific recommendations about adjusting driving habits."
The "Senior Safe Mobility" brochure is intended for seniors and their families to assess driving habits and discuss what needs to be done to keep older drivers on the road or help them to find alternative transportation. Family members who have concerns are urged to drive with their senior relatives as a basis for ongoing discussions about driving. It also discusses ways to introduce seniors to public transportation services if staying behind the wheel is not an option.
"The Auto Club believes seniors should be able to continue driving as long as they can do so safely," said Frazier. "By 2020 over five million Californians will be 65 or older and four million will be licensed drivers which means it's important for seniors to regularly assess their driving skills."
"Roadwise Review" is available at Auto Club district offices for $5 for members and $7 for non-members. The "Senior Safe Mobility" brochure and information on Mature Driver classes also are available at district offices.
Contact Information: Contact: Carol Thorp (714) 885-2333